IFAB Unveils New Rules for 2026 FIFA World Cup: More VAR Power, Less Time-Wasting

• IFAB approved reforms at its 140th Annual General Meeting in Hensol, Wales, to speed up matches and reduce time-wasting.
• New rules take effect July 1, 2026, including for the 2026 World Cup.
• Expanded countdown principle: 5-second countdown for throw-ins/goal kicks; failure to restart results in possession flip (corner for delayed goal kick).
• Substituted players have 10 seconds to leave the pitch; lingering means incoming player waits until next stoppage after one minute of play.
• Injured players treated on-field must leave for at least one minute; VAR powers expanded for incorrect second yellow cards, mistaken identity, and erroneous corner-kick decisions.